Looking for a boutique hotel that’s in downtown Memphis, Tennessee? My Central Station Memphis hotel review will give you a first person look into this South Main neighborhood. The Central Station Memphis hotel falls under the Curio Collection of Hilton Hotels and it is a show stopper in an excellent location.
The 8-story historic hotel is a treasure trove for both music and art afficionados. Sharing a 1914 building with the Memphis, Tennessee Central train station, the Hilton hotel brand has done a fabulous job of combining the old with the new in this hotel retrofit. For some, it might have been easier to tear down this brick building and start fresh with a new hotel build. Fortunately, the city of Memphis prides itself on keeping historic buildings. With that in mind, my Central Station Memphis hotel review was a delight to write.
What makes Central Station Memphis unique?
Opened in 2019, The Central Station Memphis offers 123 guest rooms, including 9 suites. The 4-star hotel takes a deep dive into Memphis culture.
Be sure to check out the local artwork featured throughout the hotel. See below for a photo of I AM A MAN painting. You’ll learn more about this impactful statement after a visit to the nearby National Civil Rights Museum.
Jazzy hotel lobby and Eight & Sand Listening Lounge
The hotel’s bar, Eight & Sand, features comfortable sofas for relaxing in the Listening Lounge. Parlor-style seating and a unique vinyl art display appeals to musicians, as well as music lovers. On my visit, there were as many Memphians gathered around, as hotel guests.
A house DJ spins records from a former church organ, transformed into a music booth. Memphis music tunes blast through EgglestonWorks loudspeakers, hand made in Memphis. Y’all, these folks take their music very seriously.
Curio Collection Hilton Hotel room
We stayed in a concourse king room #627. Our room was spacious, with a large, walk in shower and William Roam’s Steam collection bath amenities. Additionally, we had a mini fridge and Keurig coffee maker in-room. Additional room amenities included free WiFi, 49″ HDTV, and plenty of USB outlets by each bedside.
We are Hilton Hotel members, so we also received bottled water upon check-in.
Our room rented for $219, plus tax. The hotel is pet-friendly. On our stay, the fee was $50 non-refundable deposit per pet and included a welcome treat bag, and the use of water and food bowls, as well as a dog bed.
As I mentioned, Memphians take their music seriously, and this Curio Collection Hilton Hotel takes its music to the next level. Hotel guests may enjoy Central Station Memphis’ daily playlist through custom-designed EgglestonWorks speakers. Simply turn the knob on the room’s desk, sit back and listen to Memphis blues send you to sleep, or start your day with some classic tunes.
Bishop restaurant dining
We didn’t have an opportunity to try the hotel’s restaurant, Bishop. It offers breakfast, cooked to order, starting at $15. On our visit, Bishop was open from 7 – 10:30 a.m.
The hotel’s bar, Eight & Sand, offers seasonal cocktails, as well as locally influenced wines and beers from local breweries. Room service is also available to hotel guests.
Parking is available onsite. There is a fitness room and laundry room on the 3rd floor. Check-in time is 3:00 p.m. and check-out time is 12:00 p.m.
Things to see and do in downtown Memphis, Tennessee
Be sure to visit on Thursdays during the spring and summer months for “Live at the Tracks.” The Central Station Memphis features an artist or band, performing live on their outdoor patio train platform. How cool is that?
This hotel is located in the historic Arts District. Many movies have been shot on location in this part of Memphis, Tennessee. Walk next door to Ernestine & Hazel’s, a dive bar and former brothel, for a photo op.
Head across the street, to Arcade Restaurant to dine in Memphis’ oldest cafe. The Arcade is on the National Register of Historic Places, as it opened in 1919. I’m told that the Arcade was Elvis Presley’s favorite diner. The Elvis booth is at the back of the restaurant. He sat in this booth so he was able to watch the front door and escape out the back door if he wanted to avoid anyone.
Central Station Memphis, Curio Collection by Hilton (901) 524-5247
545 South Main Street
Memphis, Tennessee 38103
Central Station Memphis hotel review and all photography by Pacific Northwest travel writer Nancy D. Brown. I was a guest of Memphis Travel while working on additional travel assignments.